Imaging

Imaging plays an important role in determining how extensive the cancer is. During imaging, the following are studied.

  • Exact location of the primary tumor (primary site)
  • Tumor size
  • Whether the tumor has extended into the pubic bone
  • Spread to adjacent tissues or organs
  • Regional lymph node involvement
  • Sites of distant metastases (including distant lymph nodes)
Modality Utility
Chest X-ray Scanning for possible lung mets
KUB (Kidneys-Ureter-Bladder) Diagnostic imaging that assesses the organs of the urinary and gastrointestinal systems. Can be done using X-ray or ultrasound.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) A type of X-ray that looks at the kidneys and bladder and the ureters that connect them
Scopes Clinical diagnosis/staging
Procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. A cystoscope is a thin lighted tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Tissue samples may also be taken for biopsy.
Retrograde Pyelogram X-rays used to visualize the bladder after the introduction of radiopaque contrast via urethral catheter. After the patient voids, air may be used as a second contrast agent. Also called cystogram, cystography, double contrast cystogram
Pelvic ultrasound Diagnostic evaluation tool
Computed Tomography (CT) Diagnostic evaluation tool
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Evaluated of malignancy extending into adjacent structures
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT Bladder staging
Monitoring disease progression
Looking for other possible areas of metastatic disease (bone, brain, liver, spleen)
Bone scan Bladder staging

See Diagnostic Tests | SEER Training website for more information on imaging.

Document imaging details in NAACCR # 2530: Text-Dx Proc-X-ray scan

Document results of Scopes in NAACCR Item # 2540: Text-Dx Proc-Scopes

Updated: April 22, 2025